Five Things You Need to Know Today: April Fools Day Trivia, All-Hazard Mitigation Plans and a Spring Bazaar

1. Happy April Fools Day! Why do pranksters across the globe feel compelled to prey upon their gullible and unsuspecting friends today? There are a couple theories explaining the historical origins of today’s jokester jubilee. One is that Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales set his “Nun’s Priest Tale,” in which the cock Chauntecleer is fooled by a fox’s wily lies, on April 1. (Readers actually misinterpreted the tale – its events were was actually intended to take place 32 days after March, not the 32d day of March, or April 1.) Another one is that in 1539, Flemish poet Eduard de Dene detailed the foolish errands a nobleman made his servants run on April 1. While the actual source of today’s foolish festivities are uncertain, it is a given that many of you will be the victim of a prank today. Scarsdale Patch, however, will not subject you to such tomfoolery— although stories such as last night’s profile on may seem like jokes, but are actually quite real!

2. Christian Bale won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in “The Fighter.” If you haven’t seen the award-winning feature flick, stop by the Eastchester Public Library for a public screening today at 12:45 p.m. Visit the library’s website or call (914) 793-5055 for more details on how to get your daily dose of quality cinema.

3. How can Scarsdale Village reduce damage from future natural disasters? By preparing an All-Hazard Mitigation Plan, which will identify projects that can reduce damage from future natural hazards in order to ensure mitigation funding from FEMA. To do so, however, the Village needs your help. Fill out an online citizen questionnaire at www.scarsdale.com/hazmit to learn more about the Village’s plan and provide your input on which buildings, roadways and facilities are particularly vulnerable in the face of a natural disaster.

4. The Scarsdale Woman’s Club is holding their Spring Bazaar tomorrow! Swing by 37 Drake Road between 1-4 p.m. to indulge in gifts, records and psychic readings and games for your kids. Proceeds will benefit the Make A Wish Foundation. Call (914) 723-0024 or email jennmahler@kw.com if you have any questions. 

5. Run – don’t walk – to this Sunday’s 42nd Annual Scarsdale 15 K and 4 M runs. Groups including the Abe Simon Memorial Team Race and a kids’ fun run for children 12 and under will be sprinting around Scarsdale High School on Sunday, April 3. Registration will occur between 8-8:30 a.m. Call (914) 722-1160 or email recreation@scarsdale.com if you have any questions. The admission fee is $26.